Anthony Edwards’ standout performance, featuring 27 points and eight assists, propelled the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 124-117 victory over the Detroit Pistons during Wednesday’s NBA action.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the team’s subpar performance despite the win.
“I wasn’t a huge fan of our performance tonight, but we did enough to get the win, and that’s what matters,” Finch said. “It really wasn’t the standard we would hope for, though.”
The Pistons, following their Monday victory against the Wizards, now hold a 2-35 record, having endured a 28-game losing streak that ties the NBA record. Pistons coach Monty Williams remained optimistic, emphasizing the team’s gradual improvement despite their challenging record.
“Like I said at the beginning of the season, we’re going to have to improve month by month,” Williams said. “Our record doesn’t reflect it, but we’re growing.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons Updates
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 27 points for the Timberwolves, who are on a three-game winning streak. Jaden McDaniels contributed 23 points, while Rudy Gobert added 19 points and 16 rebounds. Gobert commented on the team’s sluggish start and eventual improvement, especially on the defensive end.
“We had a slow start today and we weren’t happy with the way we played in the first half,” Gobert said. “We did a good job of picking things up throughout the game — we gave up (40) points in the first quarter and they finished with 117, so we were better.”
For the Pistons, Jaden Ivey equaled his career-high with 32 points during their first game of a six-game homestand, missing Cade Cunningham due to a knee injury. Bojan Bogdanovic and Jalen Duren added 20 and 16 points, respectively, with Duren also grabbing 11 rebounds.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons Updates
After a strong start in the second half, the Timberwolves led 81-69, but Ivey’s efforts helped the Pistons narrow the gap to 98-90 by the end of the third quarter. Despite Detroit’s comeback attempt, led by Ivey, timely 3-pointers from McDaniels and Towns secured Minnesota’s victory.
Ivey reflected on the game, acknowledging the team’s persistent effort and the Timberwolves’ crucial shots towards the end. Gobert and the Timberwolves held a 70-62 lead at halftime in a game marked by high shooting percentages and lackluster defense.
“I thought we fought hard all game,” Ivey said. “They just hit some big shots at the end and we had some breakdowns.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons Updates
Finch expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s defensive effort in the first half, criticizing the lack of seriousness.
“I really didn’t like our seriousness in the first half,” Finch said. “The first quarter was 40-39. I mean, that’s ridiculous. You’re just trading baskets, and when that happens, everyone starts to think it is going to be too easy.”
Mike Muscala, in his debut for the Pistons after being traded from the Wizards, made a notable impact, according to Williams, highlighting the importance of experienced players in a young team’s development.
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves will host the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Pistons are set to play the Milwaukee Bucks in their upcoming games.
